By David Awopetu
Liverpool and Manchester United could only play out a goalless draw at Anfield as a game billed as a title race marker failed to provide a finish.
Five days after knocking the champions off their Premier League perch with victory at Burnley, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were hoping to further assert heavyweight title credentials at the home of their fiercest foes.
The game failed to justify the pre-match anticipation and while United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be happier with a point than Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp, he will also know they had the better chances to claim a statement victory.
Liverpool dominated possession in the first half but it was United who came closest when Bruno Fernandes’ 20-yard free-kick curled inches wide.
Fernandes was then thwarted after the break by the outstretched leg of Liverpool keeper Alisson before Thiago’s long-range effort finally brought the previously unemployed David de Gea into action.
Alisson was Liverpool’s hero late on when he blocked Paul Pogba’s drive from point-blank range.
The result leaves United two points ahead of Leicester City in second. Liverpool, who have scored just one goal in their past four league games, are a point behind the Foxes in third.
